Bordered by native eucalyptus National Park, the Sydney suburb of Terrey Hills is known for its ties to equine culture. Bridle trails wind through the town’s quiet streets and bushland, offering escape from the hectic city. It was here that Cadence & Co was engaged by homeowner and equestrian Mandy Gillespie to design and craft a special building, where the comfort of its four-legged occupants is as important – if not more so – than that of the people.
‘The brief was twofold – to create stables for the horses and a retreat-like environment that could also support intimate gatherings,’ says Cadence & Co’s Micheal Kilkeary, the practice’s design principal and partner. The team devised a structure incorporating the stables alongside a robust yet cosy lounge and an outdoor entertaining porch that overlooks the riding arena.
While they’ve worked on several similar projects, this one – known as Georgetown Stables– is distinctive for how personal it is. ‘It’s a direct expression of Mandy’s life and passion,’ says Michael. ‘We began by learning from her. Firstly, the rituals with her horses – grooming, riding, spending time in the stables. Secondly, the nuances of the Western riding style.’ The team discovered that the saddles are a different size and design, while the horses themselves have specific traits; the pace of this equestrian style is ‘slower, almost meditative’.
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This, and decorative motifs often found on riding gear, informed details throughout the space, such as the diamond pattern of the brick inlay on the breezeway floor. In every aspect of the build, practicality was paramount – the layout needed to flow seamlessly, ventilation had to be assured and every material was selected to withstand daily use. At the same time, the stables had to feel calm and layered, with detailing that spoke to both utility and atmosphere, ensuring the space could serve as a place of work, retreat and connection.
The chosen palette includes recycled brick (tough yet with a certain softness) for the floors, birch-plywood walls with mixed hardwood battens for strength and visual rhythm, wire-brushed Tasmanian Oak joinery for texture and depth and rock-cut granite worktops. In the bathroom, handmade Zellige tiles add crafted variation, while the choice of Zincalume for the roof quietly references the language of the Australian shed.
This was a design grounded in trust, made possible by what Michael refers to as a ‘strong collaborative energy’. His highlight? A wall displaying saddles, boots and bridles. ‘It’s both storage and storytelling, functional and expressive,’ he says, reflecting on how it represents the nature of the whole design – robust and practical but fun. ‘For us,’ he adds, ‘it’s about more than meeting a brief. It’s about creating something enduring that feels both personal and connected to the landscape.’ cadenceandco.com.au
